The Word: Winona Ryder lost a role because of 'Heathers'

How many times a week do you think someone shouts "What is your damage, Heather?" at Winona Ryder on the street?

How many times a week do you think someone shouts "What is your damage, Heather?" at Winona Ryder on the street? The dark high school comedy is definitely one of her defining roles, even in a career that has included a ton of iconic Gen-X moments. But it wasn't always so: Before it became a cult hit, "Heathers" actually cost Ryder a role.

Ryder says she's learned to trust her gut about which roles to take. "It’s all about knowing when to listen to that conversation and — without sounding really hokey — when to tune it out and follow your heart," she told V Magazine. "I was fired from a movie because I did 'Heathers'! I was cast in a movie and the director saw an advance screening and was offended by it and fired me. It wasn’t until years later that it became more appreciated.”

I wonder what role she lost? "Heathers" came out in 1989, so it was probably something the following year. Maybe she was up for the role of Kevin in "Home Alone."